Indian River County School Board race now down to manual recount

VERO BEACH - The race for the Indian River School Board District 4 is coming down to a hand count of more than 14,700 ballots.

After a machine recount of all ballots cast, the difference between Claudia Jimenez and Charlie Wilson is now down to 106 votes. The state mandates a manual recount because of the narrow margin.

The manual recount centers on the 14,785 "under votes." This happens when a voter leaves a blank in the race or doesn't follow the ballot instructions correctly, such as drawing an arrow to a candidate's name or circling a name.

The manual recount begins at 10:30 a.m. today at the Supervisor of Elections Office, and officials expect it to be completed by the afternoon. Eighteen teams will review the ballots, said elections special projects/outreach official Leslie Swan. Each candidate is allowed to have volunteers watching the process.

"I think there is a less than even chance the result (of the election will be reversed)," Wilson said. "(But) it is possible."

Jimenez could not be reached for comment Tuesday after the results.

WHERE DISTRICT 4 RACE STANDS

Claudia Jimenez: 28,172 votes

Charlie Wilson: 28,066 votes

Difference between the two: 106 votes

Number of under votes that must be manually recounted: 14,785

An under vote is when a voter leaves the ballot blank or doesn't follow the ballot instructions correctly, such as drawing an arrow to a candidate's name or circling a name.

Manual recount begins 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Indian River County Supervisor of Elections office, 4375 43rd Ave., Vero Beach. The public may attend.